Steven Gerrard has verified Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo will miss Saturday’s game with Aberdeen and also”potentially a number more”, then he suffered a nasty cut into the head of the 1-0 win in Livingston.
Aribo, who proceeded out of Charlton on the summertime to Ibrox, received 20 stitches in a head wound after a struggle between Livingston’s Rickie Lamie within their Scottish League Cup match on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old was driven off in the Tony Macaroni Arena after 22 minutes of this game, with Glen Kamara’s fifth-minute goal demonstrating to win the tie and establish a semi-final against Hearts.
“I talked to Joe [Aribo] this afternoon, he’s pretty shocked and sore but he’s OK,” Gerrard said.
“After getting 20 back in his head, he is OK – the doctors did a wonderful job on him, as he had been cut all of the way to the bone. When he will return, the doctor will decide in the coming times.
“He will definitely miss the match at the weekend and potentially the upcoming couple after this. I will be surprised if we view Aribo play until the break.
“It is his very first time from London and he has settled very well. This will be a setback but knowing himhe will bounce backagain. He did not even want to come away yesterday, which shows his mentality.
“I really don’t believe the player has gone in to intentionally hurt him that in my book is serious play in any other league, it is a red card.
“Livingston are extremely direct and physical. They pushed us in the second half however I am proud of the lads that they stood together and stood it up ”
In terms of the visit of Aberdeen into Ibrox at the weekend, even Gerrard admits he’s a wary of a side that knocked them from the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup last year, as well as procuring a 1-0 league win at Ibrox in December.
“Aberdeen hurt us much this past year. They are all likely to be tough matches and we need to get prepared for that,” additional Gerrard.
“The players are aware of what they are going to face, the admiration is that but if we find our level, I am convinced we’ll find a result.”
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